Saturday Great New for Lupus

 Hi Everyone!

 

Before I get started on this amazing news about lupus, I have to tell you that I am exhausted while I write this. It's Friday and we had to drive to Eugene for Mr. M's. kidney appointment. We went in early did a months worth of grocery shopping. Then the appointment and then 2 hours drive home. Uhhhgggg. 

This AM in my email I received my regular news letter from the lupus foundation of America. WOW! the first thing was the news that the FDA has approved the subcutaneous administration of Saphelo for treatment of people living with moderate to severely active lupus (SLE) The 120 mg dose is administered once weekly via auto injector. This goes along with regular standard medications and treatment. Right now for people using Saphnelo it is a hospital visit where an IV is inserted and an infusion that takes over 30 minutes. It's usually done once every 4 weeks. The next great thing is that private insurance, medicare and medicaid will cover it. 

I personally don't use this but for those who do after the infusion they feel tired, headaches, and nauseous. There could also be joint pain, dizziness and other horrible things.  Then, they have to have someone drive them home. Not everyone lives close to a hospital.

 There are symptoms with the pen too. But it is a game changer for those who use this medication.

Now what the heck is Saphnelo?

Saphnelo is a biologic that reduces disease activity across the different parts of the body and organs that lupus can affect, including improvements to the muscles, joints, and skin. Saphnelo is the only FDA-approved biologic for adults with moderate to severe lupus that’s proven to significantly lower steroid use. Some patients taking Saphnelo had fewer flares compared to those who did not have Saphnelo added to their other lupus medications.

There is other great news for people living with cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE)

However, I'm so exhausted I can't write anymore.

Have a nice Saturday.

Nicole.

If you want to read more about Saphnelo you can do it here.